This week, Scott in West Seattle asks: What are the differences in servicing a regular car and a hybrid?

Well, the Car Counselor would like to thank Scott for writing in and I welcome any questions from my readers to make me earn my keep here at the Herald!

My answer and opinion is this: Whether powered by a traditional power-plant, hybrid, electric, hydrogen, or whatever lies in store for us in the future, all of our vehicles need regular service.

As technology continues to advance and improve, some services become harder - such as spark plug replacement - and some get easier or are eliminated altogether – such as points and condenser in a pre-electronic ignition vehicle. Hybrids have a few very dangerous components and now anyone who services them will need additional special training to deal with the potentially deadly high-voltage batteries.

On the other hand, hybrids, like other regular ol' gasoline powered cars have an engine, brakes, a cooling system with hoses, tires, shocks, etc. In short, hybrids have most everything a “normal” car has, as well as new items that require technical know-how.

The engines are much smaller, but still require regular oil and filter changes. The electrical systems are much more advanced and battery maintenance is the key to long life. The transmissions are one of the most changed systems in a hybrid vehicle, and most have what's called a CVT and they operate differently from what most of us are used to. But they also still require regular service.

Brakes, tires, and shocks still wear out and will need to be replaced.

Perhaps one of the biggest questions, and we're only beginning to get the answers now, is about the high voltage batteries. We're talking about the ones that drive the car, here, and they're big, heavy, and expensive.

The expected life of these currently is about five years, but it's also one of the areas of most research and development. When the big battery wears out, it may cost $2,000 or more to replace, and it has the potential to kill. Warning to readers – DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING ORANGE UNDER THE HOOD OR ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE VEHICLE.

To answer Scott's question in short: Hybrids get serviced like any other car, but they also need new, special services that require the technician to be trained in. Also, ask your local shop if they are equipped to service hybrids and you may be pleasantly surprised that you do not always need to return to the dealership.

Todd Ainsworth is shop manager at Alki Auto Repair and can be reached at todd400@comcast.net or 935-8059.